I have treated over 3000 clients since 1996 as a registered massage therapist with Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC). What does professional therapeutic massage status involve?

In Canada, for Professional Therapeutic Massage, there is now a Competency Profile for Massage Therapists, developed by the Consortium of Massage Therapy Regulators. As well, as of January 1, 2012, The City of Edmonton has also made changes affecting Massage and Natural Health Care Providers. For licensing, applicants need to prove good standing in a regulated massage therapy association, such as NHPC, mentioned above, to obtain a Health Enhancement Centre business license.

The therapeutic benefits of natural health care are endless, improving health and bringing balance in a busy life. Every year there are thousands of doctor referrals for massage therapy. Many company benefits cover massage therapy and offer health spending accounts. Even the Alberta Government is planning a $500 Health and Wellness tax credit.

Massage is one of the most ancient forms of healing, dating back to 400 BC in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It’s been a major component of the health care system in many cultures for hundreds, even thousands of years. Therapeutic massage works on the soft tissues of the body, balancing the body as a whole, particularly influencing the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

The benefits of natural health care are extensive. Find out how easy it can be to finally feel better and bring balance to your life – and be sure to use a licensed and qualified therapist licensed by the City of Edmonton.

Janice Zubin, RMT, is a certified health consultant. Appointments can be made at (780) 686-6883 for both her Little Italy office and at The Westin, lower level.